Q. Where do I find the Planning Department in the Government Center?
A. Click Here for Directions.

Q. What is a subdivision?
A. It is the division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two (2) or more lots, tracts, parcels or other division of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development, provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than ten (10) acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.

Q.Who grants approval of subdivisions? 
A. If a municipality has adopted its own subdivision and land development ordinance, then that municipality has approval power.  If the municipality does not have its own subdivision and land development ordinance, then the County has approval over all subdivisions within that municipality.

Q. Which municipalities in Lawrence County have adopted their own subdivision and land development ordinance?
A. City of New Castle; Bessemer Borough; Ellwood City Borough; New Beaver Borough; New Wilmington Borough; Hickory Township; Mahoning Township; Neshannock Township; North Beaver Township; Perry Township (County Planning Department has approval of Perry Township plans); Pulaski Township; Scott Township; Shenango Township; Slippery Rock Township; Taylor Township; Union Township; Wayne Township; Wilmington Township.

Q. How do you submit a subdivision for review to the County Planning Department?
A. If a proposed subdivision is located within one of the previously mentioned municipalities that have their own subdivision and land development ordinance then the subdivision is submitted to that municipal secretary who in turn is to forward the County’s copies and necessary paperwork to our office.

Q. How much does the County charge for a review?
A. A typical subdivision has a cost of $250.00 + $15.00 per lot.  In other words, if you have a parent piece of property and want to create two (2) new lots out of it the cost would be: $250.00 + $45.00 = $295.00.  You would have the two (2) new lots plus the residual (or remaining) land that would equal three (3) lots total.  If you are just carving one lot from the parent property then the charge would be: $250.00 + $30.00 = $280.00, because you have created two (2) lots from the original one (1) lot.

Q. To whom should the check be written? 
A. County of Lawrence or Lawrence County.

Q. How long does it take to get a plan reviewed?
A. The County’s review is done within 10 working days if it is a simple subdivision.  If it is a major subdivision or there are any modification requests or variances requested, then the plan must go to a Lawrence County Planning Commission meeting for review and vote.  The Planning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month. 

Q. What is my property zoned?
A. We have copies of municipal zoning maps in our office and can look up the zoning of properties.  Not all municipalities have zoning ordinances.  Those that do are:  City of New Castle; Bessemer Borough; Ellport Borough; Ellwood City Borough; New Wilmington Borough; Volant Borough; Hickory Township; Mahoning Township; Neshannock Township; North Beaver Township; Plain Grove Township; Pulaski Township; Shenango Township; Taylor Township; Union Township; Wilmington Township.